Method and system for selective paging of wireless devices using a cellular broadcast service

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a request to transfer data to a group of wireless communication devices within an area. Wireless base stations of a wireless mobility network are identified, responsive to the request, wherein the wireless base stations provide wireless communication services within the area, including a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service. A wireless transmission is facilitated of a first broadcast message by the wireless base stations, wherein the first broadcast message identifies the group of wireless communication devices. The broadcast message is transmitted by way of the MBMS service of the wireless communication services. The first broadcast message initiates a state transition to an active state for a plurality of wireless communication devices of the group of wireless communication devices configured in an idle state. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/963,468, filed Dec. 9, 2015, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and system for selectivepaging of wireless devices using a cellular broadcast service.

BACKGROUND

A Long Term Evolution (LTE) capable, mobile communication deviceestablishes connections and receives high-speed mobility services by aprocess that includes attachment to a Mobility Management Entity (MME)of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) portion of a wireless mobility network.In a Connected state, the mobile device sends and/or receives data byway of a radio bearer established through a base station of the mobilitynetwork. While not engaged in an active exchange of data packets, themobile device generally reverts to an idle state. Namely, the mobiledevice is released when an inactivity timer has been exceeded. Formobile devices in the idle state, a Serving Gateway (SGW) of the EPCterminates the downlink data path to the mobile device. The SGW alsotriggers a downlink data notification towards the MME that results inthe MME paging of a given mobile device in response to a reception ofdownlink data directed to the idle mobile device.

In traditional paging, the MME individually pages the idle mobile deviceto indicate a presence of pending downlink data traffic. The pagingmessage triggers the mobile device to reply with a service request.Processing of the service request transitions the mobile device to aconnected state, allowing the mobile device to receive the user data viaa unicast packet flow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a broadcast paging system;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an LTE broadcast pagingsystem;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process used in portionsof the system described in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another process used inportions of the system described in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Traditional unicast paging methodology is not practical when downlinkdata is intended for large numbers of mobile devices in an idle mode.This is precisely the scenario envisioned for Machine-to-Machine (M2M)environments, such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Application of theunicast paging approach for such large numbers of devices would beexpensive and result in an inefficient utilization of core networkresources due to the paging of each device individually and associatedsignaling network management load. The signaling load becomes evengreater when any of the paged devices are temporarily unavailable. Inthese circumstances, the paging cycle, which can take several secondsper device, is repeated independently for each unavailable device.

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for a selective paging broadcast that utilizes a broadcastcore network, e.g., a Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS)network, or an evolved MBMS (eMBMS) network for LTE applications, as anintelligent and efficient means of delivering paging by providing datato large volumes and groups of wireless communication devices, includingdevices in an idle state or mode configuration. Other embodiments aredescribed in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a process thatincludes detecting a data transfer request to wirelessly transfer datato a class of wireless communication devices. A geographical regionassociated with the data transfer request is determined. Responsive tothe data transfer request and based on the geographical region, a numberof wireless base stations of a wireless mobility network are identifiedthat provide wireless communication services within the geographicalregion, comprising a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS)service. A wireless transmission is facilitated of a broadcast messageby the plurality of wireless base stations, wherein the broadcastmessage identifies the class of wireless communication devices. Thebroadcast message initiates a state transition to an active state forwireless communication devices of the class of wireless communicationdevices configured in an idle state at a time of the wirelesstransmission of the broadcast message.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure includes a deviceincluding a processor and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations include identifying a request to transferpending data to a class of wireless communication devices within ageographical region. The operations further include identifying a numberof wireless base stations of a wireless mobility network, responsive tothe request, wherein the plurality of wireless base stations providewireless communication services comprising a Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS) service within the geographical region. Awireless transmission is facilitated of a first broadcast message by thenumber of wireless base stations, wherein the first broadcast messageidentifies the class of wireless communication devices. The firstbroadcast message initiates a state transition to an active state for aplurality of wireless communication devices of the class of wirelesscommunication devices configured in an idle state.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, that includes executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, facilitate performance of operations. Theoperations include determining a request to transfer data to a group ofwireless communication devices within an area. Wireless base stations ofa wireless mobility network are identified, responsive to the request,wherein the wireless base stations provide wireless communicationservices within the area, including a Multimedia Broadcast MulticastService (MBMS) service. A wireless transmission is facilitated of afirst broadcast message by the wireless base stations, wherein the firstbroadcast message identifies the group of wireless communicationdevices. The first broadcast message initiates a state transition to anactive state for a plurality of wireless communication devices of thegroup of wireless communication devices configured in an idle state.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a broadcast paging system100 that includes a wireless mobility network 102 providing wirelessservices to wireless communication devices 110 within a wirelesscoverage region. In some embodiments, the wireless mobility network 102includes a group communications service network architecture. The groupcommunications service architecture provides a one-to-manycommunications capability that supports a sharing of resources,including a sharing of radio resources, such as radio spectrum.

In some embodiments, the wireless mobility network 102 can transmit datawirelessly over a multicast-broadcast single frequency network.Multimedia broadcasting, such as network television, cable programs,and/or sporting events, can be broadcast over the mobile communicationsystem 102 using broadcasting and/or multicasting. Application serviceproviders, such as equipment manufacturers, suppliers, maintainers,operators, and the like, can broadcast data, including instructions,software, software updates, features, configuration changes, and thelike, over the wireless mobility network 102 using broadcasting and/ormulticasting. The use of broadcasting and/or multicasting can providethe bandwidth and system efficiencies that are achieved by broadcastingvia other channels, such as cable, satellite, and (to a lesser extent)the Internet. MBMS technology can provide live content, as well aspopular file download delivery, to users of mobile communication devices110 over the wireless mobility network 102.

In more detail, the example wireless mobility network 102 can be basedat least in part on standards developed by the 3rd GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) initiative, with information available atwww.3gpp.org. By way of non-limiting example, some 3GPP standards thataddress group communications system architecture using LTE broadcast(LTE-B) include: 3GPP TS 23.468, entitled “Group Communication SystemEnablers for LTE (GCSE_LTE)”; 3GPP TS 25.324, entitled“Broadcast/Multicast Control BMC”; 3GPP TS 23.041, entitled “TechnicalRealization of Cell Broadcast Service (CBS)” and 3GPP TS 22.246,entitled “MBMS User Services,” all incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

In one embodiment, the wireless mobility network 102 includes a radioaccess network portion 105 and a core network portion 104, e.g., anEnhanced Packet Core (EPC) or common back bone that can communicate withone or more external networks, sometimes referred to as packet datanetworks or peer entities. It is envisioned, that the wireless mobilitynetwork 102 can include, without limitation, other configurations, suchas those associated with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), generallyunderstood to serve the 2G and/or 3G cellular system.

The radio access network portion 105, without limitation, can include anLTE network architecture sometimes referred to as Evolved Universalmobile Telecommunication system Terrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) andevolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, theradio access network portion 105 can include one or more wireless mobileterminals or communication devices, sometimes referred to as userequipment (UE), and one or more wireless access nodes, or basetransceiver stations.

The base station 106, such as an evolved Node B (e-NodeB) in EUTRAN,communicates with the UE 110 over the air and wirelessly. The UEs 110can include, without limitation, any device including a wirelesscommunication capability, sometimes referred to generally as wirelessdevices, e.g., satellite communication systems, portable digitalassistants (PDAs), laptop computers, tablet devices, other mobiledevices. More generally, the wireless devices include any wirelessnetwork accessible device (e.g., cellular telephones, machines or“things,” such as smart appliances, and so on). Although reference ismade to user equipment, it is generally understood that the UE 110 caninclude network accessible devices that can operate without userintervention or control, e.g., as in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) scenarios,such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Such UEs 110 can connect to theeNBs 110 when the UE 110 is within range according to a correspondingwireless communication technology.

In some embodiments, the UE 110 executes application specificinstructions that may or may not execute in association with anoperating system. The instructions can include an operating system thatcan include one or more applications that engage in a transfer of databetween the UE 110 and one or more of the external networks 121. Suchdata transfers can include downlink packet transfers from the externalnetwork 121 to the UE 110, uplink packet transfers from the UE 110 tothe external network 121 or combinations of uplink and downlink packettransfers. Applications can include, without limitation, web browsing,VoIP, streaming media, file transfers, software updates, security,operation and/or control, application specific programs, and the like.In some embodiments, the data transfer includes streaming media,including one or more of audio, video, audio and video, text, stillimages, graphics, commands, video gaming content, and the like. Eachdata transfer can have an associated Quality of Service (QoS), such as aQoS imposed by an associated application. Different packet transfers canbe served by different bearers within the core network 104, e.g.,according to parameters, such as the QoS.

The core network 104 can use a concept of bearers, e.g., enhanced packetservice (EPS) bearers, to route packets, e.g., IP traffic, between aparticular gateway in the core network 104 and the UE 110. A bearerrefers generally to an IP packet flow with a defined QoS between theparticular gateway and the UE 110. The access network 102, e.g.,E-UTRAN, and the core network 104 together set up and release bearers asrequired by the various applications.

The core network 104 includes various network entities, such as aMobility Management Entity (MME) 126, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 130 and aPDN gateway (PGW) 132. In some embodiments, the MME 126 includes acontrol node that performs a control signaling between various equipmentand devices in the radio access network 105 and the core network 104.

In one or more embodiments, the mobility network 104 can include one ormore broadcast multicast service centers (BMSC) 122, or content servers122, and one or more MBMS Gateway (MBMS-GW) devices 124, or broadcastmedia gateways 124. The content servers 122 can be capable of selecting,access, and/or receiving data, including messages, software, updates,and the like. The content servers 190 can receive data from datanetworks, content source providers (e.g., equipment manufacturers,operators, maintainers, television networks or production companies, orsporting leagues), satellite feeds, and/or cable networks. The mobilitynetwork 104 can direct a content server 190 to select a particular dataitem or set of data items for broadcast to user devices 110 via themobility network 104 and radio access network 105.

In one or more embodiments, the mobility network 104 can include one ormore MBMS-GWs 124. Each broadcast/multicast media gateway 124 managesdata paths for transfer of data, including transmission of media, from acontent server, referred to generally as a Content Data Network (CDN)134 to one or more end user devices 110. In one embodiment, a MBMS-GW124 can initiate multicast groups, which can allow end user devices 110to receive multicast content at eNodeB nodes 106. The MBMS-GW 124 canassociate each multicast group under its control with unique InternetProtocol (IP) addresses and can offer access to broadcast content thatis associated with the multicast group to the end user devices 110 viaone or more eNodeB nodes 106. In one embodiment, end user devices 110can join an offered multicast group by sending a session initiationprotocol (SIP) JOIN message to the offering MBMS-GW 124.

In one or more embodiments, the MBMS-GW 124 can manage the initiationand maintenance of bearer paths for transmitting broadcast data to theuser devices 110. In one or more embodiments, the MBMS-GW 124 caninitiate MBMS sessions with bearer path contexts that are associatedwith each end user device 100 that has joined each multicast group. Thebearer path allows the end user device 110 to receive multicast and/orbroadcast data from the MBMS network 130. The MBMS-GW 124 can store MBMSsession attributes for each bearer context. When a bearer path has beeninitiated, the MBMS-GW 124 can initiate tunnels for user data traffic toparticular eNodeB nodes 106 that service end user devices 110 in aparticular serving area.

In one or more embodiments, the CDN 134 can transmit media content toBMSC that could send the data to one or more MBMS-GW 124 as a unicastdata transfer, including a message, a data file, an image, audio, and/ora media stream. In one example, the content server 134 can transmit adirect, unicast stream and/or broadcast message and/or data item to eachMBMS-GW 124. In one or more embodiments, the MBMS-GW 124 can generate amulticast and/or broadcast data stream from a received unicast datastream. The MBMS-GW 124 can transmit the multicast and/or broadcast datastream via the bearer path, and the multicast IP address for multicastapplications. End user devices 110 that are members of the multicastgroup for the broadcast media can receive the multicast data transferfrom the eNodeB 106 using the multicast IP address.

In one or more embodiments, the mobility network 104 can include a poolof MBMS-GW devices 124 that are deployed in a distributed architecture(i.e., not centralized) in data centers spread across a geographicregion that is served by an LTE broadcast service area. In oneembodiment, an LTE broadcast service area can be coincident with ageographic region. A series of BMSC groups 122 can, for example, bespread across an LTE broadcast service area to providemulticast-broadcast content to user equipment devices 110 in thebroadcast service area.

For illustration purposes only, the MME 126, the SGW 124, the PGW 132,the BMSC 122 and the MBMS-GW 124 network elements or nodes, and so on,can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosurewithout the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of suchservers can operate in a device, system, component, or other form ofcentralized or distributed hardware and software, including virtualmachines, e.g., in relation to software defined networks. It is furthernoted that these terms and other terms such as bearer paths and/orinterfaces are terms that can include features, methodologies, and/orfields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodiessuch as the 3GPP and IETF. It is further noted that some or allembodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify,supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards publishedand promulgated by 3GPP/IETF.

The PGW 132 can provide connectivity between the UE 110 and one or moreof the external networks, referred to generally as a content datanetwork (CDN) 134. In the illustrative network architecture 100, the PGW132 can be responsible for IP address allocation for the UE 110, as wellas one or more of QoS enforcement and flow-based charging, e.g.,according to rules from a policy and charging runes (PCRF) (not shown).The PGW 132 is also typically responsible for filtering downlink user IPpackets into the different QoS-based bearers. In at least someembodiments, such filtering can be performed based on traffic flowtemplates. The PGW 132 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g., forguaranteed bit rate bearers. The PGW 132 can also serves as a mobilityanchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as CDMA2000 andWiFi.

With increasing numbers of users/devices receiving the same services,efficient information distribution is essential. To this end, groupcommunications, such as broadcast and/or multicast techniques areprovided to decrease the amount of data within the network 100 and asharing of limited radio spectrum, resulting in a more efficient use ofnetwork resources. In particular, broadcast and multicast are techniquesfor transmitting data-grams from a single source, such as a selectivepaging application server 118, e.g., that facilitates a selective pagingfunction, and or the CDN 134 to several destinations, e.g., point-tomultipoint. The selective paging application server 118 and/or a groupcommunication server of the CDN 134 can support exchanging signaling,e.g., signaling (including GCS session and group management aspects)with UEs 110, in some instances, receiving uplink data from UEs 110,delivering data to all UEs 110 belonging to a group, e.g., using unicastand or MBMS delivery, transporting application level sessioninformation, and supporting service continuity procedures, e.g., for aUE 110 to switch between unicast/MBMS delivery.

Generally speaking, a multimedia broadcast/multicast service refers to aunidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data is transmittedfrom a single source entity to a group of users in a specific area. Inat least some embodiments, the MBMS services transmit content over amulticast-broadcast single frequency network. The broadcast/multicastservice has two possible modes: Broadcast mode and Multicast mode. Abroadcast session includes a continuous and time-bounded reception of abroadcast service by the UE 110. Likewise, a multicast session is acontinuous and time-bounded reception of a multicast service by the UE110.

A broadcast service can be defined as a unidirectional,point-to-multipoint service in which data is efficiently transmittedfrom a single source to multiple UEs 110 in an associated broadcastservice area. Broadcast services may be received by UE 110 configured toaccess broadcast service locally, and who are in the broadcast areadefined for the service. Likewise, a multicast service can be defined asa unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data isefficiently transmitted from a single source to multiple UEs 110 in anassociated multicast service area. It is generally understood that amulticast service is directed to a multicast subscription group. Forexample, UE access to a multicast service requires a subscriptionassociates the UE 110 with the service. Broadcast and/or multicastservices may be received by all UEs 110 configured to receive broadcastand/or multicast service(s), and fall within an associatedbroadcast/multicast area defined for the service. For example, thebroadcast/multicast service area can be determined according to wirelesscoverage maps of base transceiver stations 106, e.g., sectors, regionsand so on, that provide broadcast/multicast service. The UEs 110 can beconfigured to monitor one or more broadcast channels for suchbroadcast/multicast messages. The UEs 110 can be configured to monitor aselective paging channel, such as a broadcast channel, whether the UE110 is in an idle state or an active state. The UE 110 does not need tobe attached to any particular eNB 106 while monitoring the broadcastchannel.

The broadcast-multicast service area can represent a geographical area,such as a region, a state, county, town, an area defined by a geometricshape, such as a polygon, circle, ellipse, a piecewise continuous closedshape or some combination thereof in reference to a geographical region,e.g., as defined by a map. In some applications the broadcast area canbe defined individually per broadcast service application, per broadcastservice subscriber, and the like. For example, an emergency broadcastmessage can have a broadcast area associated with a content of themessage, a subscription of the service. Consider an emergency broadcastmessage directed to an area affected by a natural event, such as ahurricane, a flash flood or a forest fire, an Amber Alert, and the like.In some embodiments, the group communication service area is identifiedby a requesting entity, such as a news station, a government entity, andso on.

For group communications services, the example network architectures 100include an interface 140 or reference point by which the MBMS servicesof the mobility network can be accessed. For example, in LTEapplications, the selective paging application server 118 can beimplemented by a Group Communication Service Application Server(GCS-AS), in which instances the interface or reference point 140 caninclude features of an MB2 interface. This represents one possibleimplementation option. The MB2 interface 140 can include a signaling orcontrol plane interface, e.g., MB2-C, and a data or user planeinterface, e.g., MB2-U. As illustrated, the MB2 interface 140 can existbetween the BMSC 124 and the selective paging application server 118, ormore generally between the BMSC 124 and a Group Communication ServiceApplication Server (GCS-AS). It is understood that the particularnetwork elements of the example network architecture 100 arerepresentative. Although the MB2 reference point 140 is disclosed incertain industry standards, it is understood that any reference to MB2herein can include features of applicable industry standards, with orwithout additions, deletions and modifications to any applicablestandardized features. In at least some embodiments, the MB2 interface140 or reference point provides an ability for applications to requestan allocation and/or de-allocation of a set of TMGIs, a request toactivate, deactivate and modify an MBMS bearer, and for allowing theBMSC 122 to notify an application of the status of an MBMS bearer. In atleast some embodiments, the MB2 reference point 140 can include one ormore other features disclosed herein, such as supporting a selection ofa particular network element and/or network configuration in relation toan establishment and/or maintenance of any MBMS bearer services.

In establishing a new group communication service, e.g., in response toa request from the selective paging application server 118, the BMSC 122can initiate a group communication service session request directed tothe MBMS-GW 124. The MBMS-GW 124 responds to the BMSC 122 with sessionresponse. The MBMS-GW 124 then sends a session start request to the MME126, which sends it to the eNB 106, e.g., on an M3 Stream ControlTransmission Protocol (SCTP) based interface. In response, the eNB 106sends a session start response to the MME 126, which sends it to theMBMS-GW 124. Upon successful establishment of the session and radioresource allocation, the eNB 106 can join the transport network IPmulticast address to receive the user data from MBMS-GW 124.

An example broadcast and/or multicast bearer path 141 is illustratedbetween the selective paging application server 118 and the UE 110.Other network elements along the broadcast and/or multicast bearer path141, include the BMSC 122, the MBMS-GW 124 and the eNB 106. In someembodiments, the broadcast and/or multicast path extends from anotherdata source, such as the content data network 134. Thus, the selectivepaging application server 118 can request a broadcast and/or multicastservice based on data item(s) from another source, such as the CDN 134.It is understood that, in some instances, broadcast and/or multicastdatagrams can be routed to more than one UE 110 attached to the same eNB106. Alternatively or in addition, broadcast and/or multicast datagramscan be routed to more than one UE 110 attached to different eNBs 106.

Without limitation, reference to various interfaces, such as S1, S5,S11, M1, and M3 refer to EPS interfaces. In some instances, suchinterface designations are combined with a suffix, e.g., a “U” or a “C”to signify whether the interface relates to a “User plane” or a “Controlplane.” In addition, the core network 104 can include various signalingbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfaces. Thebearer paths and signaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examplesand it should be noted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearerpaths may exist that are not illustrated.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative example of an LTE broadcast paging system200 that includes a RAN portion 205 and a core network portion 204. TheRAN portion 205 includes three base station terminals 206 a, 206 b, 206c, generally 206. The first base station terminal 206 a provideswireless services within a first wireless coverage region 208 a, e.g., alocation in California. Likewise, the second and third base stationterminals 206 b, 206 c, provide wireless services within second andthird wireless coverage regions 208 b, 208 c, e.g., non-overlappingregions in New York. In the illustrative example, the wirelesscommunication devices include a vehicle 210, and or an equipment item orsubsystem of the vehicle, such as an on-board computer, a vehiclemaintenance tracking system, a vehicle emergency communication system, asurveillance system and/or a navigation system. Subsequent references tothe vehicle 210 should be understood to include one or more of theaforementioned subsystems. During network operations, at least one basestation 206 can generally communicate with the vehicle 210, while thevehicle is within a corresponding wireless coverage region of the basestation 206. It is understood that there may be circumstances in whichthe vehicle 210, despite being within the coverage region, is unable tocommunicate with the base station 206. By way of non-limiting example,such circumstances include radio frequency (RF) interference, RFblockage or weak signal, power on/off status of the vehicle 210/on-boarddevice or system, and so on.

For example, in the illustrative example, a first facility 211 a, suchas an office building, or apartment complex includes an undergroundparking facility 212 a. Likewise, second and third facilities 211 b, 211c include underground parking facilities 212 b, 212 c. Each of thefacilities 211 a, 211 b, 211 c, generally 211, includes a vehicle 210a′, 210 b′, 210 c′, generally 210′, within the underground parkingfacility 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, generally 212. Each of the facilities 211also reflects the same vehicle 210 a″, 211 b″, 210 c″, generally 210″,e.g., at a different time, along an above-ground surface 214. It isunderstood that the vehicles 210′ may not be able to communicate withthe base stations 206 while inside the garage 212 due to RF blockage. Itis also understood that the vehicles 210″ would generally be availableto communicate with the base stations, while not inside the garage 212,presuming the vehicles 210″ are within the wireless range of abroadcasting base station 206. Thus, any attempts by the network 204 andbase stations 206 to page vehicles 210′ while inside the garage 212 willlikely be unsuccessful due to the RF blockage.

In some embodiments, a paging message can be repeated according to aschedule. The schedule can include one or more of a total number ofpages, a paging duration including a time period within which a pagingmessage is repeated, a paging frequency, paging times, and so on.Repeating the same page to the same group of vehicles 210 within thesame targeted paging area 208, over an extended time period allows forvehicles 210′ that may have been unavailable for an initial page, e.g.,in the garage, to receive a subsequent page that occurs during thepaging period, while the vehicle 210″ is out of the garage.

In an illustrative example, each of the vehicles 210 listens to abroadcast channel of the mobility network 200, whether the vehicle 210is in idle mode or an active mode, including unconnected and connectedmodes. A data transfer entity, such as an equipment manufacturer, asupplier, a maintainer, an insurer of the vehicle 210, or onboardsystem, intends to perform certain actions to a class or group ofvehicles, and/or onboard systems, within a target geographical region,e.g., New York, by way of the mobility network 200. A selective pagingbroadcast function, e.g., by way of a selective paging broadcast server218, queries or otherwise accesses a cell-site records, e.g., by way ofa RAN cell-site database 220, to identify any cell sites providingwireless services within the target geographical region.

The selective paging broadcast server 218 creates a short broadcastmessage including indicia of the targeted class or group of vehicles 210and/or vehicular subsystems. The indicia can include a manufacturer,make, model, serial number range, lot number, product identificationcode, vehicular identification code, a signature, an owner (e.g., afleet owner or operator), a user, an operator, and the like. Theselective paging broadcast server 218 sends the short broadcast messageto the core network 204 for forwarding to the identified cell sites ofthe target geographical area. In the illustrative example, the messageis sent to the cell sites 208 b, 208 c in New York, without being sentto other cell sites, such as cell sites 208 a in other states, e.g.,California. The core network 204, in turn, initiates a broadcast of theshort broadcast message through the identified base stations 208 b, 208c of the target geographical area, without sending the short message, orotherwise initiating a broadcast through cell sites 208 a outside of thetarget region.

The vehicles 210 in the coverage area, whether in idle or connectedmode, listen to a broadcast channel of the mobility network 202. Anybroadcast messages are evaluated by the vehicles 210 to identify theclass/group indicator, e.g., a unique value, symbol, code or signature.Broadcast messages having a unique value that is not associated with thevehicle 210 are ignored by the vehicle 210 or subsystem. Broadcastmessages having a unique value that is associated with the vehicle 210are processed further, e.g., as indicated below.

Any vehicles 210′ in the coverage area, but unable to receive aparticular broadcast message, e.g., due to blockage, continue to monitorthe broadcast and/or paging channel. When any such blockage orinterference is removed, e.g., when the vehicle 210″ emerges from thegarage 212, the continuous monitoring of the broadcast and/or pagingchannel allows the vehicle 210″ to receive a subsequent page of arepeating paging schedule. Once the short broadcast message is receivedand the unique value or signature matched to the vehicle 210″, thevehicle 210″ recognizes the broadcast feed and performs a relatedaction.

Actions can include, without limitation, interpreting data contained inthe broadcast message itself. For example, in some embodiments, theshort broadcast message can include a payload portion. The payloadportion can include data, such as value or code providing an instructionthat can be interpreted by the targeted vehicle 210″. For example, thetargeted vehicle 210″ can include pre-programmed instructions that enactone or more predetermined procedures based on the data value. In someinstances, the instruction can provide an indication that further datais available by way of another message. The other message can includedownload data packets, such as a packet stream, that is broadcast to thetarget devices, e.g., through the identified base stations 206, by wayof a separate MBMS service. Thus, a broadcast paging message provided onone broadcast/paging channel, can announce services on the same and/or adifferent broadcast channel. The different broadcast channel can bedistinguished by one or more of a time slot, frequency, and code of acode division multiplexed configuration, and the like.

The MBMS service can include a broadcast service, by which data contentis distributed according to a broadcast. A broadcast service, e.g.,announced by the short broadcast message, can be accessed by thetargeted vehicles 210″ that receive the message. Namely, the targetedvehicles 210″ can tune or otherwise access the broadcast stream.Alternatively or in addition, the MBMS service can include a multicastservice, by which data content is distributed according to a multicaststream. A multicast service, e.g., announced by the short broadcastmessage, can be accessed by the targeted vehicles 210″ that receive themessage. For example, the targeted vehicles 210″ can join or otherwiseaccess the multicast stream. In at least some embodiments, the shortbroadcast message can include a multicast IP address that can be used bythe targeted vehicles 210″ to join the multicast stream being served bythe base stations that have joined the specific MBMS GW nodes.

Although the examples provide herein refer to vehicles and/or on-boarddevices or systems as the wireless communication devices, the disclosureshould be understood to apply to wireless communication devices moregenerally. This can include wireless mobile devices, such as vehicles,smart phones, tablet processors and laptop computers. Other wirelesscommunication devices are not mobile, such as smart meters, e.g.,home/building utility meters—gas, water, electricity and so on. Wirelessdevices can include medical devices, such as biomedical devicesincluding, without limitation, implantable devices, wearable devices,hospital and/or home medical monitoring devices, the like. Medicaldevices can include diagnostic devices, e.g., heart monitors, bloodglucose monitors, drug delivery devices, biological pumps, controllersand so on.

As for vehicular devices, they can include the vehicles, e.g.,automobiles, themselves, equipment in the vehicle, e.g., updated mapsoftware for a navigation system, diagnostic monitoring systems, e.g.,mileage, fluids, tire pressures, engine performance, etc. Vehicles caninclude, without limitation, trucks, busses, trains fleets of vehicles,e.g., trucking company, self-driving vehicles, equipment on suchvehicles. Air vehicles can include, without limitation, aircraft,drones, military equipment and ordnance. Other applications includemanufacturing, e.g., robots, machines, processors, and the like. Stillother applications include business applications, such as retailoutlets, e.g., gas stations tracking supplies/sales, supermarkets,wholesale facilities, e.g., tracking warehouse inventories, shelf lives,etc. Durable goods, e.g., home appliances and the like. In general,wireless communication devices can include any device, mobile orstationary, that can communicate with the wireless mobility network viathe radio access network.

The short broadcast messages can be used by data transfer entities inthe tracking of performance and/or status, in updating software, e.g.,in providing software patches, fixes, updates, and the like. In at leastsome embodiments, the short broadcast messages can be used by the datatransfer entities to deliver, revise or otherwise modify operational orbusiness rules of the wireless communication device, or another devicein communication therewith. To that end, it is envisioned that thewireless communication devices can be part of other systems, such as thevehicles, the processors, devices, and appliances. Namely, a wirelesscommunication device, e.g., operating according to a wireless protocol,such as LTE, can be in communication with an associated device. Thus,data can be exchanged between the associated device and a remote entityby way of the wireless communication device. In this capacity, datacontent received by way of the broadcast messages can be used by thewireless communication device, the associated device, or both.

It should be understood that the group communication service messages,e.g., MBMS/eMBMS messages disclosed herein, can include a type ofservice (broadcast/multicast), an associated radio frequency channel(s),timing/schedule, authorization/encryption/key info, multicast IPaddresses, and the like.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process 300 used by thesystems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The process includes detecting abroadcast data request to access target class/group of wireless devicesat 302. The request can include a message received from another entity,such as the data transfer entities 216 a, 216 b, 216 c, generally 216,indicating that download data is available for the target class/group ofwireless communication devices. These entities can include, withoutlimitation, equipment manufacturers, service providers, e.g., networkservice providers, owners, operators, maintainers, businessorganizations, enterprises, governmental organizations, educationalinstitutions, and the like.

In at least some embodiments, the broadcast data request includes afield that identifies the target class/group. For example, a requestfrom an auto manufacturer BMW® to access an onboard system of the“Series 3” automobiles. It is envisioned identification of such a targetclass/group can include further details, such as year or range of years,model options/features, and the like. In some instances, a fieldidentifying the target class/group includes a unique value, such as analphanumeric value or signature. Such signature values would allow arather complex description of a particular device, i.e., “BMW, 320i,2015, sedan, manual transmission, . . . ” can be reduced to a shorternumeric value, e.g., “BM32SM15.” In some instances the unique signaturevalues can include a product code, such as a vehicle identificationnumber, or range of numbers. In some embodiments, hashes and/or otheralgorithms can be used to generate and/or interpret such identifyingcodes.

Translations can be performed by the data transfer entities 216, by theselective paging broadcast server 218, or by another server, such as theserver 240. For example, the other server 240 can be operated by a thirdparty, any of the data transfer entities, or the network serviceprovider. However the target class/group is identified in the message,the mobile communication devices 210 include features, e.g.,machine-readable instructions 144, that allow the device 210 to properlyidentify when a paging broadcast message is directed to it as a memberof the targeted class/group.

In some embodiment, the request message also includes a geographicregion. The geographic region, e.g., can be used by a data transferentity to download data in an orderly manner. Alternatively or inaddition, another entity, such as the network operator, can specify thetarget region. Consider an auto manufacturer that needs to roll out newsoftware to all diesel vehicles in North America. The manufacturer, as adata transfer entity can identify North America as a target region inits request—it is understood that in some instances, a request may notinclude a region, in which case the region can include all cell sites ofone mobility network, cell sites of another mobility network, anothercountry, region, etc. In some embodiments, a network service providercan apply analytics to the request to determine a strategic rollout ofthe software in a staged manner that takes into consideration any ofvarious factors, such as network capacity, network congestion, networkcosts, estimates of numbers of wireless communication devices, and thelike. Thus, a request made during a busy hour can be deferred to quietertimes, such as early morning, weekend, etc.

A target geographical region is determined at 304. In some embodiments,the target geographical region can be determined directly from therequest, e.g., “New York.” Alternatively or in addition the targetgeographical region can be determined from a processing of the requestin view of network analytics, among other factors. Thus, a large area,such as North America, can be broken into regions, such as states,territories, counties, bounded regions of a map, and combinationsthereof.

Wireless base stations are identified at 306 based on target region.Once the target geographical region has been identified, it can be usedin combination with cellular coverage maps to identify one or more basestations that provide coverage to the target geographical region. Insome embodiments, the base stations provide full coverage spanning theentire target geographical region. Alternative, the base stations mayprovide a partial coverage, as coverage may not be available in certainportions of the geographical region. Nevertheless, a suitable number ofbase stations are identified based on the target geographical region.

A target class/group is identified at 308. As indicated above, thetarget class/group can be determined from the request itself. It isunderstood, however, that in at least some instances, the request maygenerate from a reception of downlink data at a network node, such asthe SGW 130. The downlink data can include an address, e.g., and IPaddress, that can be mapped or otherwise associated with the targetclass/group of devices. In such scenarios, the network service providercan seek an identity of the target class/group. This can be accomplishedby storing or otherwise accessing an association of a data IP addressand a corresponding class/group of devices. In some instances, thenetwork service provider can query the data transfer entity associatedwith the data and or a third party, such as the server 140 providing acoordinating service.

Broadcast paging to the target class/group in the target region isfacilitated at 310 by way of the identified wireless base stations. Forexample, the selective paging application server 118, e.g., facilitatinga selective paging function, forwards a request to the BMSC 122 tobroadcast a broadcast message in each of the identified base stations.The broadcast message can include indicia of the target class/group ofdevices, as well as one or more of a message that invokes acorresponding action at wireless communication devices of the targetedclass/group. For example, the message can inform the wireless devicethat a broadcast message will commence at a particular time, e.g., andon a particular broadcast channel. This can include identification ofone or more of a frequency and a time slot.

In some embodiments, the request prompts a selection between abroadcast, a multicast and/or a unicast service for paging the targetclass/group of devices. For example, such a selection can be based onset of attributes. In some instances, a mobile operator decides whichservice based on one or more of the identified base station(s), theidentity of the target class/group, the target region, and so forth.Network analytics can be applied in a determination, e.g., based on anumber of wireless devices per base station and/or sector coverage area,the type and/or quantity of data to be transferred, a priority, networkcharges, subscriptions, and the like.

An estimate of a number of wireless devices can be based on one or moreof device/product registration data, historical communication records,population, number of households, income and/or other demographics, orany other means of estimating. For example, historical records can becreated and/or updated by devices periodically connect to network tocomplete status reporting and/or scheduled/on-demand data transfersbased on combination of triggers received from device/network andapplication service providers. It is also envisioned that learning canbe applied based on a network analytics function that includes cell sitedata, targeted coverage area, device type, priority access, etc.

In at least some embodiments, a response to a selective broadcast page,e.g., including a transfer data (e.g., message and/or content) to UE, isaccomplished for UE that are not in the connected state on the MME 126.A transfer of data, e.g., data arriving at the SGW 130, can befacilitated to the UE 110, including UE 110 in an idle state or mode,without requiring the UE 110 to initiate a service request and/orotherwise attach to the mobility network 104. In at least someapplications data transfer to a group of UE 110 is initiated for UE 110in an idle state or mode, without reliance on traditional, e.g., unicastpaging.

In at least some embodiments, any target devices 110 temporarily out ofcoverage during a selective paging broadcast message, receive thebroadcast message upon returning into coverage of selected eNBs. Thereis no need for UE to provide location information in association withaccessing broadcast content disclosed herein. Likewise, there is no needfor a notification server to repeatedly invoke unicast updates whendevices are temporarily unreachable.

In at least some applications, particularly for M2M and IoTapplications, the paging and any subsequent actions undertaken by thewireless device and/or the network can occur without requiring thedevices to respond to paging. This avoids any necessity for the devicesto attach to the network, etc., to avoid corresponding networkcongestion that might otherwise be created. In general, an idle mode isconsidered to include a wireless device (UE) that is powered on but doesnot have a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection to the radio network.In the idle mode, a UE can perform: PLMN selection; cell search &selection; cell reselection; Tracking Area (TA) update; and periodicpaging monitoring. In response to monitoring a page that identifies thedevice, the device can transition to an active mode, in which the devicemay change one or more of a power status, processing capacity, and thelike, without necessarily attaching to the wireless mobility network.For example, in the active mode, the device can receive a broadcastmessage at a predetermined time and channel, without requiring anyspecial action on the part of the mobility network.

In some embodiments, the wireless device transitions to an active modeupon receipt of the page message. The transition can be immediate, orafter some processing delay, e.g., time to allow the device to detectthe page message and to determine that the device has been targeted. Atransition from idle to active states can be referred to generally as aservice request. It is conceivable that in some applications, a largenumber of targeted devices residing within a single cell or region mayreceive and respond to the same page message. In at least someinstances, concurrent service requests from multiple targeted devicescan result in network traffic and possibly interference.

In at least some embodiments, a delay can be introduced, to avoidnetwork congestion of multiple service requests from the multipledevices. For example, each of the wireless devices can have anassociated delay value. A unique delay value can be provided for everydevice, e.g., stored within the device, such that a number of devicesthat receive the same page message will transition to active mode, orsubmit a service request, at a uniquely different time based the uniquedelay values. Alternatively, a set of delay values can be assigned tothe devices, such that not every device, but groups of devices havedifferent delay values.

It is understood that in at least some embodiments, a delay value can bedetermined by the wireless devices. For example, each wireless devicecan include functionality that determines a device delay value that canbe implemented for every page message targeting the device.Alternatively or in addition, each wireless device can includefunctionality that determines an updated, different delay value for eachpage message. Delay values can be determined according to an algorithmand/or based on a random number generator. In some embodiments, the pagemessage can include information that can be used to determine delayvalues, e.g., providing a seed value that can be used by a delaydetermining algorithm of the wireless device.

Beneficially, the broadcast paging and data transfer techniquesdisclosed herein avoid any need for a notification server to repeatedlyinvoke unicast updates when devices are temporarily unreachable. Asindicated, the MBMS messages can be repeated according to a schedule andfor a duration. The duration might extend for hours, days, weeks, monthsor longer. The schedule might include the broadcast to be provided onceper day or longer, e.g., at the same hour each day, or at a differenthour each day.

Beneficially, there is no need for the wireless communication devices toprovide location information to the system. They just have to be in atarget geographical area and in a sector served by a base station of themobility network during an occasion of the MBMS/eMBMS message. Thisallows targeted devices to receive data downloads, instructions, etc.,without a need to independently page the wireless communication devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication devices can beconfigured to always listen to a network broadcast channel in idle andconnected modes. To this end, a device that happens to be in a connectedmode will still receive the MBMS/eMBMS service message. The network canbe presented with an option to transfer data by way of an existingconnection for any connected devices. Alternatively or in addition, thenetwork can provide the corresponding data/instruction to all devices inthe same manner, e.g., by broadcast message.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another process used by thesystems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. A request to transfer data to targetgroup of devices is received at step 402. Without limitation, therequest can be received by the selective paging application server 118,e.g., from the data transfer entity 216 and/or by downlink data arrivingat a node of the mobility network, such as the SGW 124, as disclosedherein.

A determination is made at 406 as to whether the pending request isauthorized. To the extent that the pending request is not authorized, itis terminated at 408. To the extent that the pending request isauthorized, a geographical region associated with request is determinedat 410. The region can be identified by the request itself, by themobility network, by a third party service provider, or by any othersuitable means of identifying a region that relates to the request.

A determination is made at 412 as to whether the pending request isauthorized for the associated geographical region. To the extent thatthe pending request is not authorized, it is terminated at 408. To theextent that the pending request is authorized, one or more wireless basestation(s) are identified at 414, based on the target region. Theidentified base stations provide coverage within the target region. Insome embodiments, the base stations provide coverage to the entireregion, whereas in others such coverage is not possible. In the lattersituation, the base stations are identified to provide the best coveragepossible. The determination can be performed by the selective pagingapplication server, by the network service provider, or by a third partyservice provider.

In some embodiments a subsequent determination is made at 416 as towhether any paging will be accomplished by an MBMS service and/or aUnicast service at 416. It is understood that the MBMS/unicastdetermination can be determined globally for all identified basestations, or individually for each of the identified base station orsub-groups of base stations.

To the extent that MBMS service is selected, an MBMS paging message isgenerated at 418, identifying the target group 418. An MBMS service isinitiated at 420 and the paging message is distributed by way of theMBMS service. To the extent that additional data is associated with thepaging message, an MBMS transfer of the pending data is initiated at422. It is understood that an MBMS service for the paging service andthe MBMS service for the subsequent data can be the same or different.For example, one can be provided by way of a broadcast message, whereas,the other can be accomplished by way of a multicast message.

To the extent that unicast service is selected, one or more unicastpaging messages are generated at 424, identifying members of the targetgroup. A unicast service is initiated at 426 and the paging message isdistributed by way of the unicast service. To the extent that additionaldata is associated with the paging message via MME 126, a unicasttransfer of the pending data is initiated at 428. It is understood thatthe same unicast service or different unicast services can be used foreach of the paging message and the subsequent data transfer.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIGS. 3 and4, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subjectmatter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks mayoccur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks fromwhat is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustratedblocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

The UE 110, 210, and selective paging application server 118, 218 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the core network 104, 204, or other infrastructure services.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or in combination with landline media content servicessystem.

Some of the network elements of the system 100, 200 can be coupled toone or more computing devices 140, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the wireless mobilitynetwork 100 to wireless communication devices 110.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to wirelesscommunication devices 110, 210 by way of the wireless access basestation 106, 206 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The cellular access base station 106, 206 can operate according tocommon wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax,SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless networktechnologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, multiple wirelineand/or wireless communication technologies can be used by the UEs 110,210.

The server 140 can be operably coupled to the communication system 100,200 for purposes similar to those described above. The server 140 canperform function 146 and thereby provide selective broadcast paging ofwireless device services to the wireless communication devices 110. Thewireless communication devices 110 can be adapted with software toperform function 144 to utilize the selective broadcast paging ofwireless device services. The selective paging application server 118can be adapted with software to perform function 142 to utilize theselective broadcast paging of wireless device services. For example, theselective paging application server 118 can receive one or more of anidentification of a geographical area, a type or class of wirelesscommunication device or other device or system associated with thewireless communication device, priorities of one or more of the device,the message, a class of service, and the like. A priority can be used,for example, to selectively page higher priority over lower priority, toset paging cycles, counts, frequency, etc.). Likewise, in at least someembodiments, one or more elements of the core network 104 can be adaptedwith software to perform functions 141 to utilize the selectivebroadcast paging of wireless device services.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 502 of acommunication of the communication systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2.The web portal 502 can be used for managing services of systems 100, 200of FIGS. 1 and/or 2. In at least some embodiments, the web portal 502can be used for managing services of the wireless communication devices110, 210 of systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2. A web page of the webportal 502 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with anInternet browser using an Internet-capable communication device such asthose described in FIGS. 1 and/or 2. The web portal 502 can beconfigured, for example, to access a media processor selective pagingapplication server 118 and services managed thereby such as a contentdelivery services, e.g., including software updates, data transfers,media access, and the like. The web portal 502 can also be used forprovisioning M2M services, provisioning Internet services, provisioningwireless services, and so on.

The web portal 502 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 242-246 to adapt these applications as may bedesired by subscribers and/or service providers of the systems 100, 200of FIGS. 1 and/or 2. For instance, users of the services provided by theselective paging application server 118, 218 and/or server 140, 240 canlog into their on-line accounts and provision one or more of the servers118, 218, 140, 230 with a feature that a user may want to program such.For example, data transfer entities, such as device manufacturers,maintainers, and the like can use the web portal 502 to enter orotherwise modify requests for selective IoT paging broadcasts.Information can be entered in various manners, such as providing inputsto fields of a form, such as requestor identity or account,authorization information, indicia of a group or class of devicestargeted by the broadcast paging message, a target area, such as ageographical region, data content and/or pointers or references to datacontent to be provided to the UEs 110, 210. At least some of theinformation can be provided by user profiles that can be created,reviewed, modified, and so on by the web portal 502. Alternatively or inaddition, service providers can use the web portal 502 to log onto anadministrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain the systems100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 600.Communication device 600 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 1 and/or 2 andcan be configured to perform portions of processes 300, 400 of FIGS. 3and/or 4.

The communication device 600 can include a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 610 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 610 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 606 of the communication device 600. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 600 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 600 to force thecommunication device 600 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 600 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 600 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 6. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 600 can be adapted to perform the functions ofdevices 110, 210 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2. It will be appreciated that thecommunication device 600 can also represent other devices that canoperate in systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and/or 2, such as a gamingconsole and a media player. In addition, the controller 606 can beadapted in various embodiments to perform one or more of the functions242-246, respectively.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. For example, the data transfer entity can be awireless mobile device, wherein the downlink data and/or a relatedrequest can be transported over wireless mobility network to theselective paging application server 118 and/or the other server 140.Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 700 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the selective paging application server 118,218, the RAN cell-site database 120, 220, the base transceiver stations106, 206, the wireless communication devices, 110, 210, the server 140,240, the BMSC 122, 222, the MBMS-GW 124, 224, and any of the networknodes, such as the MME 226, the SGW 230, the PGW or equipment of thecontent data network 234 and other devices of FIGS. 1-2. In someembodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 726) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 700 may include a processor (or controller) 702(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 704 and a static memory 706, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 708. The computer system 700 mayfurther include a display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 700may include an input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 714 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 716, a signal generationdevice 718 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 720. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units710 controlled by two or more computer systems 700. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 710, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 710.

The disk drive unit 716 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 722 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 724) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 724 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 704, the static memory 706, and/or within theprocessor 702 during execution thereof by the computer system 700. Themain memory 704 and the processor 702 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 722 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 700. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: identifying, by a processingsystem including a processor, a plurality of wireless base stations thatprovide wireless communication services within a geographical region,wherein the wireless communication services comprise a MultimediaBroadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service; and facilitating, by theprocessing system, a transmission of a broadcast message and asubsequent data transfer by the plurality of wireless base stations viathe MBMS service to a plurality of wireless communication devices,wherein the broadcast message identifies the plurality of wirelesscommunication devices, wherein the broadcast message initiates a statetransition to an active state for a group of wireless communicationdevices of the plurality of wireless communication devices configured inan idle state at a time of the transmission of the broadcast message,wherein the plurality of wireless communication devices receive the datatransfer without responding to the broadcast message, wherein, inaccordance with receiving the broadcast message, a first wirelesscommunication device of the group of wireless communication devicestransitions to the active state after a first delay period and a secondwireless communication device of the group of wireless communicationdevices transitions to the active state after a second delay perioddifferent from the first delay period, and wherein at least one wirelesscommunication device of the plurality of wireless communication devicescomprises a mobile device that is located outside the geographicalregion during the transmission of the broadcast message and receives thebroadcast message upon returning to the geographical region.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the processingsystem, a request to perform the data transfer; and determining, by theprocessing system, the geographical region based on the request.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising selecting, by the processingsystem, the MBMS service to perform the data transfer.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein each device of the group of wireless communicationdevices transitions to the active state after a delay period uniquelyassociated with that device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the groupof wireless communication devices comprises a plurality of subgroups ofwireless communication devices, and wherein each device of a givensubgroup of wireless communication devices transitions to the activestate after a delay period associated with that subgroup.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication device determinesthe first delay period.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the broadcastmessage includes information used by the first wireless communicationdevice to determine the first delay period.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the first wireless communication device updates the first delayperiod in accordance with receiving the broadcast message, the firstwireless communication device thereby transitioning to the active statein accordance with a subsequent broadcast message after an updated firstdelay period different from the first delay period.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the transmission of the broadcast message is repeatedaccording to a schedule.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the schedulecomprises a total number of repeated transmissions of the broadcastmessage, a time period within which the transmission of the broadcastmessage is repeated, a repeat frequency, or a combination thereof.
 11. Adevice comprising: a processing system including a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessing system, facilitate performance of operations comprising:detecting a data transfer request to transfer data to a plurality ofwireless communication devices located in a geographical region;identifying a plurality of wireless base stations that provide wirelesscommunication services within the geographical region, wherein thewireless communication services comprise a Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS) service; facilitating a transmission of abroadcast message by the plurality of wireless base stations via theMBMS service to the plurality of wireless communication devices, whereinthe broadcast message identifies the plurality of wireless communicationdevices, wherein the broadcast message initiates a state transition toan active state for a group of wireless communication devices of theplurality of wireless communication devices configured in an idle stateat a time of the transmission of the broadcast message, wherein, inaccordance with receiving the broadcast message, a first wirelesscommunication device of the group of wireless communication devicestransitions to the active state after a first delay period and a secondwireless communication device of the group of wireless communicationdevices transitions to the active state after a second delay perioddifferent from the first delay period; and facilitating the datatransfer by the plurality of wireless base stations via the MBMS serviceto the plurality of wireless communication devices, wherein theplurality of wireless communication devices receive the data transferwithout responding to the broadcast message, and wherein a wirelesscommunication device of the plurality of wireless communication devicescomprises a mobile device that is located outside the geographicalregion during the transmission of the broadcast message and receives thebroadcast message upon returning to the geographical region.
 12. Thedevice of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise determiningthe geographical region based on the request.
 13. The device of claim11, wherein the operations further comprise selecting the MBMS serviceto perform the data transfer.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein eachdevice of the group of wireless communication devices transitions to theactive state after a delay period uniquely associated with that device.15. The device of claim 11, wherein the group of wireless communicationdevices comprises a plurality of subgroups of wireless communicationdevices, and wherein each device of a given subgroup of wirelesscommunication devices transitions to the active state after a delayperiod associated with that subgroup.
 16. A machine-readable mediumcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operationscomprising: detecting a data transfer request to transfer data to aplurality of wireless communication devices located in a geographicalregion; identifying a plurality of wireless base stations that providewireless communication services within the geographical region;facilitating a transmission of a broadcast message by the plurality ofwireless base stations to the plurality of wireless communicationdevices, wherein the broadcast message identifies the plurality ofwireless communication devices, wherein the broadcast message initiatesa state transition to an active state for a group of wirelesscommunication devices of the plurality of wireless communication devicesconfigured in an idle state at a time of the transmission of thebroadcast message, wherein, in accordance with receiving the broadcastmessage, at least one wireless communication device of the group ofwireless communication devices transitions to the active state after adelay period; and facilitating the data transfer by the plurality ofwireless base stations to the plurality of wireless communicationdevices, wherein the wireless communication devices receive the datatransfer without responding to the broadcast message, and wherein awireless communication device of the plurality of wireless communicationdevices comprises a mobile device that is located outside thegeographical region during the transmission of the broadcast message andreceives the broadcast message upon returning to the geographicalregion.
 17. The machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein thewireless communication services comprise a Multimedia BroadcastMulticast Service (MBMS) service, and wherein the transmission of thebroadcast message and the data transfer are performed via the MBMSservice.
 18. The machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein eachdevice of the group of wireless communication devices transitions to theactive state after a delay period uniquely associated with that device.19. The machine-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the at least onewireless communication device determines the delay period.
 20. Themachine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the broadcast messageincludes information used by the at least one wireless communicationdevice to determine the delay period.